Use of nonprohibited hallucinogenic plants: increasing relevance for public health? A case report and literature review on the consumption of Salvia divinorum (Diviner's Sage).
Pharmacopsychiatry January 1, 2005 R Bücheler, C H Gleiter, P Schwoerer et al. 63 citations
A mint plant called diviner's sage (Salvia divinorum), used traditionally in Mazatec shamanic ceremonies, is now legally available online. Its active ingredient, salvinorin A, is one of the most potent naturally occurring hallucinogens. Smoking, vaporizing, or chewing the plant induces a short-lived state with intense feelings of depersonalization. The authors report a young man's experience, review the scarce scientific literature, and argue that health professionals should consider Salvia when exploring young people for drug use, as its legal status in most countries and growing appeal among teenagers and young adults in Europe pose public health questions.